Backstage Pass: Model Victoria Henley experiences some magical moments in Vegas

by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com

A hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Shows Magic Theater is an exquisitely curated, thoughtfully stylized intimate venue space, reimagined to emulate the magic and charm of a classic European show space.

Owned and operated by internationally acclaimed, award-winning magician Losander, this dynamic venue is your one stop shop for some of the most thrilling and exhilarating magic acts in the city, featuring genres ranging from sleight of hand, mind-blowing mentalism, show-stopping vanishing acts, and many more opportunities to see a variety of world-famous magicians and illusionists who will leave you absolutely spellbound.

I was given the exclusive opportunity to spotlight not one, but two, top-rated headlining productions at the Las Vegas Shows Magic Theater.

WITCHES AND WARLOCKS

Starring world-renowned, international magician, Luna Shimada (whose father was one of the foremost and influential magicians in Japan), this magic spectacular features breathtaking sleight of hand, Merlin-Award-worthy card tricks, and up close and personal audience participation segments that will leave you captivated.

Shimada (who has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the legendary Moulin Rouge in Paris) proudly brandishes her all black, tattooed, gothic aesthetic, and dons the “witchy” label that so many of her magic counterparts have so adamantly rejected over the years, creating a chilling and bewitching atmosphere that bestows a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation upon the crowd.

Shimada, just as warm and approachable as she is dark and eerie, maintained a friendly rapport and concerted interaction with the crowd throughout her nearly two-hour show, incorporating elements of storytelling, traditional witches’ spells, and mind reading into her content-packed illusion and magic extravaganza.

A brilliant magician and consummate show woman, Shimada adds a component of grace and elegance into the quintessential “interlinking metal hoops” bit as she incorporated refined dance and interpretive movement motions into her routine.

Additional standout moments include a bone-chilling story about a dinner party gone awry, complete with an unwelcome visit from the Grim Reaper; an interactive portion where the dazzling magician placed a coin in my hand and caused the attached ribbon to magically untie right before my very eyes.

Her strikingly beautiful Pomeranian pup, Jonah, stole the show during a grand-finale appearance, when the canine seemingly magically appeared from nowhere toward the conclusion of the show and was met by uproarious applause from the audience.

Deliciously dark, irresistibly magical, and undeniably fun: Witches and Warlocks is sure to leave you, and your entire party, under its spell!

INSTAGRAM: @lunashimada66

MASTERS OF MAGIC

Starring world-renowned illusionist, Jeff Ezell, who has traveled the globe performing for international celebrities, dignitaries, and world leaders (including former President Ronald Reagan), as well as a rotating lineup of additional master magicians, mentalists, and illusionists (including the theater’s owner, Losander, who was away in Europe during the time of our visit), Masters of Magic affords guests the opportunity to view mind-blowing feats of unbelievable magic just as it should be seen and experienced: up close and personal .

Ezell was jovial, boisterous and relentlessly personable. He maintains a warm engagement with his intimate audience throughout his nearly two hour set, seamlessly transitioning between segment, which include remarkably complex card tricks, a simply incomprehensible act featuring a couple of simple ropes and a wildly unique set during which he continued to pull flower-filled ornamental boxes from a seemingly completely empty paper bag.

During one section of the show, the headlining performer instructed Backstage Pass photographer Lynn, to select a card from his deck, and upon discovering her card selection was, indeed, not the one he has guessed, he told her to flip it over in her hand once more. Before our very eyes , the card had completely changed…without even leaving Lynn’s hand.

Additional stand out moments include a portion during which Ezell asked for a $100 dollar bill from a brave (and generous) volunteer, after which he instructed the aforementioned volunteer to write her name across the face of the bill. After causing the bill to miraculously disappear and reappear numerous times, the currency inexplicably made its way into a piece of fruit and was retrieved in a most surprising and unconventional way, bringing the audience to gasp in shock and disbelief.

The entertainer also called an unsuspecting relative of an audience member during a portion of the show, and seemed to read her mind, selecting a card from a deck about which she was thinking, but never elaborated upon, legions of miles away in Ohio.

INSTAGRAM: @jeffezellmagician